WILLIAMS PRESSES PRIME MINISTER TO PROTECT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH FUNDING

5.19.58pm GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire and Liberal democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, has called on the Prime Minister to protect research funding in light of job cuts in scientific research facilities across the UK.

Mr Williams said:

"Scientific research funding is a major plank in a sustainable and prosperous economy.

"Yet many research facilities are seeing their budgets slashed and jobs being cut.

"Whilst I welcome the Prime Minister's comments on funding of scientific research having increased, it seems that many places are not receiving sufficient funding to undertake the often vital work they undertake.

"The Prime Minister's announcement will ring hollow for many scientists who are facing job cuts and I hope he will raise this issue with the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills to ensure that funding is protected."

NOTES

Mr Williams question to the Prime Minister can be found here (Q7):

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtoday/cmdebate/02.htm#hddr_3